Who is the Father?

The mystery of God is not easy to understand, let alone trying to explain in a rational way based on empirical proof. The various encounters that people had with deity were unique and special. In some instances God appeared out of nowhere and stood right next to someone; God spoke from a burning bush; God has communicated in a dream or vision; God spoke from a dark cloud and fire; God is described as flying on the wind or wings of creatures called cherubim. Moses, Aaron and the seventy elders of Israel saw God and sat down and had a meal in the Lord’s presence (Cp. Exodus 24: 9-11). The prophet Micaiah saw God sitting on his heavenly throne (Cp. 1 Kings 22: 9); so did Isaiah (Cp. Isaiah 6: 1). God, or rather the Lord, is described as one of the sons of The Most High/El Most High (Heb. Elyon), who was allotted Israel as his inheritance (Cp. Deuteronomy 32: 8-8). So, all these appearances or revelations (“theophany”) of God in the Old Testament should settle the matter as to the Father; but does it? Let’s hear what Jesus had to say about the matter, and this is where the study will start with the following:

John 1: 18

No one has “ever” seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side (right hand??), has made him known (revealed him).

John 5: 37, 43a

And the Father who sent me has himself testified of me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form. I have come in my Father’s name and you do not accept me.

John 6: 46a

No one has seen the Father “except” the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father.

John 14: 8-9a, 10b

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and it will be enough for us.” Jesus answered, “Don’t you know me Philip; even after I have been among you such a long (short??) time?” Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. It is the Father living (abiding??) in me, who is doing his work.

John 17: 25a

[Jesus said] “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you.”

1 Corinthians 8: 6

But to us there is but one God (Heb. El), the Father (Heb. ha’ Ab), from whom are all things, and we exist for him; and one Lord (Heb. `Adonai), the Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through him.

Ephesians 4: 6

One God (Heb. El) and Father (Heb. Ab) of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.

1Timothy 6: 15b, 16

God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen

CONCLUSION:

This last reference sums up this study nicely and reinforces what Jesus said earlier, and there can be no greater authority than his. Since the dawn of time when mankind had the first contact with God, it was like in the Greek plays, I surmise, behind a mask of sorts. It was very much like what was revealed to Moses when he asked to see God’s glory. Although the translation was a bit awkward and strained, it reveals that mortals cannot experience the awesome incorporeal essence and celestial splendor of God’s divinity in a direct sense (Cp. Exodus 33: 18-20, 23b). Even the different names associated with God had to do with a particular purpose and appearing that deity wanted to accomplish or reveal. For the most part, God was referred to as the Lord God or God Almighty. Even God’s memorial name “I AM that I AM” (Cp. Exodus 3: 14) was never invoked at any other point in the Scriptures. I think the Psalmist confirms the closest approximation to the divine name, or at least the root or cognate in Psalms 68: 4, where God’s name is Yah.  Jesus did use an abbreviated form in the gospel of John (ex. “I AM….”) but not the full expression as in the account in third chapter of Exodus. Nevertheless, even this is not revealed as the Father until Jesus introduces mankind to this aspect of deity. Lastly, in Colossians 1: 19; 2: 9, it reads: For God [the Father] was pleased to have “all” his fullness dwell (abide) in him [Jesus Christ]. For in Christ “all” the fullness of the ‘godhead’ (“Divine Nature”) dwells in bodily form.

 

Robert Randle

776 Commerce St. Apt 701
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 19, 2016
robertrandle51@yahoo.com